The Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Essential Information for Prospective Owners

We have owned Anatolian Shepherds since 2016 and since then, have fallen in love with this amazing breed.

In this article:

• The Anatolian History

• Anatolian Temperament Traits

• Anatolian Physical Traits

• Anatolian Purposes and Lifestyle

• Are Anatolians the Right Dog for You?

Shepherds Rest Wild, Wild West

History

Anatolians are an ancient breed, with lineage traced all the way back to 2000 B.C. They were originally bred in modern-day Turkey to protect shepherds' flocks from predators such as wolves and bears. Nowadays, Anatolians are still an asset to many Turkish farmers and are becoming steadily more popular across North America. It actually wasn't until the 1930s that the first Anatolian was imported to the United States and they didn't gain popularity until the 1970s.

Temperament Traits

Anatolian Shepherds are loyal, observant, calm, independent, confident, alert, athletic, gentle with family, and fierce with predators. They often are a breed that prefers to sit back and observe rather than be in the centre of the action. That being said, they are loyal and protective and will risk their life to keep family, property, and herd safe. Anatolians are also gentle with children and the smallest of animals. Another perk to Anatolians is that they don't bark unless there is an actual threat, unlike a Maramma or Great Pyrenees.

Physical Traits

Anatolians are a large breed of dog with males generally maturing between 30-36 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 100-180 pounds. Females are slightly smaller generally measuring between 28-34 inches and weighing between 90-160 pounds. Anatolians also come in a variety of colours such as fawn, red/liver fawn, gray fawn, brindle, brindle pinto, fawn pinto, and white.

Purpose and Lifestyle

Antolains were originally bred to protect shepherds' flocks from predators such as bears and wolves, due to this they need livestock or a large property to guard. Anatolians thrive in a lifestyle where they have something to guard, such as livestock or a family, along with space to roam and patrol. They are not overly active and like following their flock around or finding a high point on their property to sit and watch from. Anatolians are prone to wandering and will go patrol off your property if they are not well contained. Both good physical fencing (that a dog can't climb, jump, or dig under) and GPS collars are good options.

Are Anatolians the Right Breed For You?

Anatolians are likely a good fit for you if you:

• want a dog to protect your homestead, acreage, or farm.

• have at least 2 acres of land.

• want a dog to protect your livestock.

• can offer firm and consistent training.

• can manage/want a large dog.

• have fencing that will keep the dog on your property.

• can offer the dog opportunities and direction.

• want a deterrent for trespassers and/or predators.

• can financially afford to properly care for a large dog.

• want a dog primarily for your property.

Anatolians are likely not a good fit for you if you:

• live in an apartment, or town, or don't have at least 2 acres of land.

• want to do "hands-off" rearing.

• want an RV/semi-truck companion.

• don't have adequate fencing or GPS collars for your dogs.

• want a dog to herd livestock.

• can't offer firm or consistent training/training methods.

• can't handle/manage a large dog.

• want a dog that will play fetch, etc...

• want a dog to primarily be a house companion.

• want a dog to travel everywhere with you.

Click here for further information about our farm, Anatolians, and upcoming litters.

Sources Cited:

8 Things you didn't know about the Anatolian Shepherd Dog by Katherine Ripley

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/8-facts-about-the-anatolian-shepherd-dog/#:~:text=They%20Came%20to%20the%20U.S.,dog%20made%20the%20best%20sheepdog.